The Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) began the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology during the "Psychology Days". Under the theme "20 years of the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the Universidade Católica in Porto", the "Psychology Days" became a vibrant stage for sharing and reflection, uniting a community of students, alumni, faculty, researchers and professionals in the field of Psychology.
Raquel Matos, Director of FEP-UCP, expresses the institution's pride in the journey taken: "The creation of this degree, in 2004/2005, was an ambitious project that has established itself as a benchmark in the teaching of Psychology in Porto. These 20 years are a testament to our commitment to excellence in education, marked by rigour, quality and a strong connection to the community."
The numbers prove the impact of this journey: 1674 graduates in Psychology, 43 funded research projects totalling approximately 4.5 million euros, more than 11,000 psychology consultations provided to the community through the University Psychology Clinic, and 20,000 hours of student volunteer work.
A three-day programme with several significant moments
The Psychology Days, organised in partnership with the FEP-UCP Student Association, presented a programme full of significant moments, which spanned three days, from 25 to 27 March 2025.
On the first day, Sofia Ramalho, President of the Portuguese Psychological Association, was responsible for the opening session with a reflection on the last 20 years of Psychology in Portugal, generating an engaging debate with students and faculty. Matilde Marques, a student ambassador for the Portuguese Psychological Association, highlighted the importance of her role as a liaison between students and the Association. The day ended on a high note with the "FEP-UCP Talks", where undergraduate and master's students in Psychology enchanted the audience with inspiring presentations in the "TED Talks" format.
The second day brought an enriching experience with "Coffee with Psychologists", an informal conversation moderated by alumna Sofia Mexia Alves, with the participation of faculty members António Fonseca, Lurdes Veríssimo, Luísa Campos and Raquel Matos. In this space, the challenges of structuring quality education in the field of Psychology were discussed, among various topics. At the end of the morning, Sofia Mexia Alves shared her professional journey, twenty years after her first class.
On the third and final day, the event paid tribute to the academic and professional career of António Fonseca, one of the founders of the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, followed by the highly anticipated "Alumni Moment", where former students shared experiences about their journeys and the impact of FEP-UCP on their careers. The event ended with a social dinner organised by the FEP-UCP Student Association for teachers, students and alumni.
An innovative course prepared for the future
António Fonseca, a member of the organising committee of this edition of "Psychology Days", emphasises the uniqueness of the degree: "Those who have followed this two-decade journey can easily see that this is not a 'Psychology course' like the others. The differentiating character of our Bachelor's Degree - introducing 'novelties' for the time such as Tutoring or Community Service - sought to respond to the needs of training psychologists for the 21st century beyond the technical knowledge of psychological science."
"Here, at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of UCP, while celebrating the 20 years of our Bachelor's Degree, we are attentive to the inevitable evolution of psychological science and practice, and we will continue to do everything to offer a differentiated Bachelor's Degree, attentive to the world beyond the campus and to the human needs that are, after all, the main reason for this profession: psychologist!" he concluded.
This is just the beginning of the celebrations
Raquel Matos reinforces that the celebrations are just beginning: "The Psychology Days were a symbolic moment, but our commemorative programme continues! We will have events such as a race that unites students, alumni and teachers, the Psychology Alumni meeting, the 1st University Psychology Clinic Days and a grand closing event. It's a year of celebration and recognition!"
The 2025 Psychology Days were more than a celebration. They were the affirmation of a strong, dynamic community committed to the present and the future of Psychology.
